NHS Smokefree Pledge Launched

In January 2018 the Smokefree Action Coalition launched the NHS Smokefree Pledge. The Pledge is designed to be a clear and visible way for NHS organisations to show their commitment to helping smokers to quit and to providing smokefree environments which support them. The Pledge has been endorsed by the Public Health Minister Steve Brine MP, and the Chief Executives of NHS England and Public Health England. It is an update to the NHS Statement of Support for Tobacco Control.

Steve Brine, Public Health Minister (left), said: “While smoking rates are at an all-time low, it is still our country’s biggest preventable killer—so we are absolutely committed to helping people quit for life. The NHS Smokefree Pledge supports the bold ambitions set out in our new Tobacco Control Plan. It is fantastic to see the NHS making such a powerful statement to help us push for a smokefree generation.”

In signing the NHS Smokefree Pledge, NHS organisations commit to reducing the harm caused by tobacco, through implementing NICE Guidance on supporting smokers in the healthcare system to quit.